Replacing wired flash sync

[CraigDouglas]

I'm currently using 3 studio lights, 2 slaves for BG and one main one near the camera. The slaves just trigger from the main flash. I'm using a wired sync cable (like this) direct into my 40D flash sync socket.

The wire is becoming annoying as I'm moving around the studio and I have to unplug it and plug it into my light meter to take readings.

What i'm after is something to replace this wire, so a receiver that fits onto my studio light and a transmitter to fit onto my 40D. I'd also like the option of getting a light meter that can wirelessly (is that a word? ) trigger the flash too although I don't think i'll be getting this just yet.

What are my options? I see lots of different stuff around but i'm unsure whats compatible and more to the point reliable.

 

[Garry Edwards]

They all work, some work better than others and you pays your money and takes your choice...

Even the very cheapest ones will work in a normal sized room (most have a range of up to about 15 metres). The disadvantage of the very cheapest (apart from the build quality) is that they are single channel, and it's possible that radio waves from other electronic equipment may trigger your flash. This may or may not be a problem for you.
Frankly, I don't see much point in spending a lot of money for features that you obviously don't need, so I think I would go for one of the cheaper options in your situation. My belief is that all of the cheaper ones are made in the same factory and are sold with different branding at different prices.

As for your flash meter question yes, you can trigger your flash with some models. Personally I don't bother - I just have the camera round my neck and press the test button on the radio trigger in its hotshoe, it does the same job.

 

[CraigDouglas]

As for your flash meter question yes, you can trigger your flash with some models. Personally I don't bother - I just have the camera round my neck and press the test button on the radio trigger in its hotshoe, it does the same job.

Ahh, now that's a better idea! Thanks!


Multi channel is not something I require, so a single channel would be fine. My studio is a converted garage so no other photographers around and no electrical equipment other than cameras lighting and heating


Do you have experience with any triggers for my requirements? I don't want something that will break after a dozen uses or will only trigger every other time I press the release for example

 

[Garry Edwards]

Do you have experience with any triggers for my requirements? I don't want something that will break after a dozen uses or will only trigger every other time I press the release for example

I'm sure other people will be able to make recommendations, although as I say I think they're all the same anyway.

The reason I can't help is that for my work I do need expensive multi-chanel triggers that can work at 300 metres

 

[Flash In The Pan]

The "studio" version of the Ebay triggers might be worth looking at, what I did was buy an extra transmitter (about a tenner) and connect that with a sync cable to my light meter.

 

[CraigDouglas]

The "studio" version of the Ebay triggers might be worth looking at, what I did was buy an extra transmitter (about a tenner) and connect that with a sync cable to my light meter.

Do you have a link to the one you're referring to please?

 

[Flash In The Pan]

Here you go

 

[Bronikon]

Hi Craig I bought the e-bay cheepies they were ok for a month then packed in.
my wife bought me the calumet radio flash trigger set( £59.99) and they seem to be better built and more substatial, so far very pleased .
Guid Health

 

[Flash In The Pan]

Hi Craig I bought the e-bay cheepies they were ok for a month then packed in.
my wife bought me the calumet radio flash trigger set( £59.99) and they seem to be better built and more substatial, so far very pleased .
Guid Health

That's a point...sometimes Calumet have them on special offer (on the "bargain" table in the Glasgow showroom), might be worth checking their ebay shop out....